A 48-year-old Enniskillen driver who failed to stop for police on two occasions forcing an officer to jump out of his path has been disqualified for three years. Kevin Scallon, of Lackaboy View was also  given an eight month sentence, suspended for two years at Enniskillen Magistrates Court.

The prosecutor outlined two separate matters to the court. 

The first took place on July 12, 2015. Police on patrol saw the defendant’s car in the Darling Street area of Enniskillen and were aware he was wanted in relation to criminal matters. 

Despite being signalled to stop by officers Scallon, driving a Hyundai car failed to do so and continued down Head Street, before making his way on to the Johnston Bridge and up the Cornagrade Road. 

Officers following noted that the defendant, caught behind a slow moving van continually tried to overtake, before the vehicle pulled in at the Spar shop. Scallon then accelerated towards the Cherrymount Roundabout. At this stage a police checkpoint was in place and officers indicated for the vehicle to stop. Scallon then slowed down and threw his hands up in the air to stop before then turning sharply on to the Cherrymount Road, with an officer having to jump out of the way to avoid collision. The vehicle then sped off and was later located parked in the Broadmeadow area.

During interview Scallon denied driving the vehicle.

On January 1, 2016 at 3.10am police received a call from the injured party that her ex-husband, Scallon was banging and kicking her door. Police attended and spoke to the woman who said the defendant, who was breaching a non-molestation order by making contact, arrived by taxi and shouted at her to let him in. 

Scallon told her he had lost his keys and had nowhere else to go. When she refused to let him he then tried to manipulate the lock using a card, a method he had experience with before, having lived in the house up to six months ago. 

The injured party managed to get the door dead locked before Scallon could enter and he then walked away. When police contacted the defendant on the phone he told them he was in Belfast and hung up. He was later located at his home address at 5.35am.

Defence solicitor Myles McManus noted three character references handed into the court. First referring to the breach Mr McManus said the the marriage between the two parties broke down in July 2015 and stated there was no violence or threat of violence in this “very short” incident. In reference to the July 12 incident the solicitor said Scallon had no memory of it and apologised on his behalf.

District judge Peter King highlighted Scallon’s significant record for a man of his age, a total of 36 convictions. In relation to driving matter the judge told the defendant he could have been facing much more serious charges and took it with a “huge pinch of salt” Scallon’s excuse that he had no recollection.

Scallon has since appealed the length of his driving disqualification and has been released on his own bail of £250.